STF Justice Flávio Dino Calls for Institutional Loyalty Amid Clash Between Moraes and Mendonça

Supreme Court (STF) Justice Flávio Dino stated on Friday that the court is greater than any individual member and urged the body to continue its judicial duties despite an escalating conflict between Justices Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça. In a social media post, Dino argued that institutional loyalty requires facing real problems through due process and the correct timing. He cited the works of Cicero and Max Weber, as well as biblical references, to emphasize the need for solid legal institutions to prevent the state from becoming a tool for criminals or political factions.

The tension intensified after Justice Mendonça lifted the secrecy of a Federal Police report containing messages between Justice Moraes and banker Daniel Vorcaro. The messages allegedly suggest a friendly relationship and a need to ensure that the Federal Police and the Prosecutor General did not hinder the business interests of Banco Master. In response, Justice Moraes filed a request with the president of the court, Justice Edson Fachin, to investigate Mendonça for potential abuse of authority, administrative improbity, and crimes of responsibility. Moraes cited intelligence reports suggesting that Mendonça overstepped his judicial role by acting as an investigator in operations known as Compliance Zero and Sem Desconto.

Center-right reporting emphasizes the crisis of credibility facing the court and provides detailed allegations regarding the breach of the chain of custody and the improper use of investigative software by Mendonça. Center-leaning coverage frames the event as a struggle for institutional stability, highlighting Dino's warning that the judiciary could become a pawn of partisan forces if it fails to maintain its integrity.